Situated in Cabrerets in the peaceful Célé valley, the decorated cave of Pech-Merle is an important prehistoric site. Discovered in 1922 and opened to the public since 1926, the cave indeed contains remarkable cave paintings in its numerous concretions. It is in a magnificent place surrounded by stalactites, stalagmites and draperies that the visitor amazed by all these natural wonders can contemplate an incredible series of prehistoric artworks, such as drawings, paintings and silhouette engravings of humans, horses, mammoths, bulls and bears.

The Amédée-Lemozi museum adjoining the cave offers a presentation of Prehistory in the Quercy as well as an analysis of the paintings of the Pech-Merle cave.

Built on a peninsula by the River Lot, the old town of Cahors offers a pleasant atmosphere with its narrow streets and its architecture. Symbol of the city, the Valentré bridge built in the 14th century is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This magnificent fortified structure with arches and cutwaters is the only bridge in the world to have three towers! You can get a perfect view of the Valentré bridge from the pretty riverbank or on board one of the boats which navigate the meanders of the River Lot.

In the lively old town, the majestic Saint-Etienne cathedral, topped by two domes, possesses a beautiful Romanesque portal with carved tympanums. Not far, the public garden Olivier-de-Magny lined by beautiful old houses, the Roaldès mansion, and the numerous narrow shopping lanes make Cahors a very pleasant place, especially since the medieval town is also a gastronomic centre with among others its famous red wine.

A region of sheep and goat breeding, the Regional Nature Park of the Quercy Limestone Plateaux, which extends over 175,717 hectares, is also the realm of dry stone. Cliffs, caves, chasms, valleys and limestone plateaux characterise this magnificent area. The typical and very charming features of this protected park are dry lawns separated by low stone walls, beautiful buildings and delightful little dry-stone shepherds' huts. A heritage that should absolutely be discovered! This unspoiled area is also great for hiking with its 1000 kilometres of path. The sacred town of Rocamadour, the magnificent cliffside village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, the famous Pech-Merle cave and the impressive Padirac chasm, are prestigious sites that shouldn't be missed.

From the top of a rock dominating the unspoiled landscapes of the Lot valley, the village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is among the most remarkable sites in France. An entirely listed village, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie also appears on the list of the Most Beautiful Villages of France.

Fascinated by the charm of this place, as so many other artists and writers did, the poet André Breton chose to live there. This cliffside village is indeed particularly photogenic, with a harmonious group of beautiful stone houses with brown-tiled roofs and its fortified Gothic church, which stands on the edge of the high rock. Perfect for a stroll, the beautiful flower-filled narrow streets of the village are lined with craft workshops and art galleries. Happy walking!

Gourdon is not only the capital of the Bouriane region, it's also a medieval town with a fascinating church and old town. Its 14th century fortified gateway leads visitors to Rue du Majou and the buildings lining the street. There's a viewing platform at the top of the town with fabulous views of the town and its picturesque surroundings. The Bouriane region is famous for its chestnut and hazelnut trees.

Tributary of the River Garonne, the Lot runs through unspoiled green countryside. In the Quercy, this gentle valley is particularly renowned for its vines, and especially those of the Cahors vineyards. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, a magnificent cliffside village; Puy-l'Évêque, a medieval town situated in the heart of the vineyards; the Cénevières castle, a Renaissance fortified castle and palace; Cahors and Figeac, two cities of Art and History in the Quercy... All wonderful places in the Lot valley not to be missed! A boat cruise on the Lot waters is also an excellent way to discover the numerous treasures of this valley.

On the border between Quercy and Rouergue, at the heart of the Bonnette Valley, the mediaeval town of Caylus, dominated by the tower of the old royal castle, is ideal for a relaxing stroll.

As picturesque as can be, its historical centre is full of ancient houses and listed monuments, including the old market hall with its grain measures, the 13th-centry Maison des Loups ("House of Wolves") with its façade flanked by wolf-shaped gargoyles, and the fortified Church of St. John the Baptist from the 14th and 17th centuries. This Gothic-style church contains a monumental work: the wooden Christ - standing at a height of 5.20 metres! - by the famous sculptor Ossip Zadkine.

Sacred town and important pilgrimage site, the village of Rocamadour is perched on the side of a limestone cliff and towers majestically over the Alzou canyon. What a wild and unspoiled environment! Famous for its sanctuaries and more especially for its Black Virgin, Rocamadour attracts every year a large number of visitors and pilgrims. Moreover, the village of Rocamadour is the second most visited attraction in France after Mont-Saint-Michel! Having climbed 216 stairs of the main staircase leading to the church square, pilgrims and walkers discover the seven sanctuaries of Rocamadour, among which the Notre-Dame chapel, the Saint-Sauveur basilica and the Saint-Michel chapel. Unmissable, the Notre-Dame chapel or miracles chapel contains a statue of the Black Virgin dating from the 12th century. Near this chapel is Saint-Amadour's tomb. The former popes' palace, whose entrance is also situated on the square, is home to the Sacred Art museum and its collection of religious works from the town. From the top of the medieval village, or to be precise off the ramparts of the ancient fort, the view of all of Rocamadour, the Alzou canyon and the unspoiled landscapes surroundings the Regional Nature Park of the Quercy Limestone Plateaus is amazing.

In Rocamadour, walkers can also admire beautiful mineral concretions, as well as 20,000 year-old cave drawings during the visit of the Cave of Marvels (Grotte des Merveilles).

Perched on a cliff, the fortified town of Domme overhangs magnificently the Dordogne valley. Its fortifications, its 17th-century covered market hall, its caves, its promenade running alongside the cliff and its viewpoint offering an exceptional view of the Dordogne valley will enchant the walkers.

City of Art and History, Figeac is also a delightful medieval town. With a rich heritage, the old town is a lovely place for a stroll. The picturesque narrow streets lined by mansions with carved facades and timber-framed stone residences will definitely delight walkers. An essential place to visit on a trip round the historic centre, the beautiful Ecritures (Writings) square is home to the black granite contemporary artwork of Joseph Kosuth representing an immense reproduction of the Rosetta Stone. For all those wishing to know more about writing, the Champollion museum offers a rich exhibition about the famous hieroglyphs decoder Jean-François Champollion, as well as the history of writing. The visit of Figeac continues with the ancient Monnaie mansion. This magnificent medieval residence of the 13th century is home to the Old Figeac museum, which allows to better know the history of the city through its mineral and coin collections. Finally, to take advantage of a beautiful panoramic view of the medieval town, take the direction of the viewpoint situated near the Notre-Dame-du-Puy church. From there, the view of the roofs of the old town is splendid!

Situated in the Dordogne valley in the Upper Quercy, not far from Black Périgord, the town of Souillac is renowned for its Sainte-Marie abbey church of Romano-Byzantine style. This work of the 12th century possesses a superb chevet, as well as a magnificent carved portal. The bell tower, which dominates the picturesque old town, is all that remains of the ancient Saint-Martin church.

In July, the city of Souillac hosts the Sim Copans festival, a musical event dedicated to jazz.

Founded in 1252 by Alphonse de Poitiers, Count of Toulouse and brother of St Louis, the royal fortified town of Villefranche-de-Rouergue in the Aveyron Valley boasts a remarkable and picturesque range of buildings. At the heart of the town is Place Notre-Dame, a listed Historic Monument which is simply superb, with its medieval archways, beautiful old houses and an imposing bell-tower standing 54 metres high on top of the Collegiate Church of Our Lady. The latter contains carved wood stalls and a stone pulpit from the15th century.

On a tour of Villefranche-de-Rouergue you can also admire the details on the façades of its splendid houses, like the houses of Armand, Combettes, Dardenne and Gaubert.

Opposite the charming Place de la Fontaine, the Urbain Cabrol Municipal Museum, based in an 18th-century mansion, displays collections about local history: mineralogy, archaeology, baroque art, popular arts and traditions...

Don't miss the local produce market that takes place every Thursday morning on Place Notre-Dame!

The welcoming small town of Villeneuve d'Aveyron has preserved some beautiful reminders of its past as a comital then royal fortified town. The superb central square with archways, lined with medieval and Renaissance houses, the Great Door and Cardalhac Door (both medieval), the vaulted passages, the Church of St Sepulchre, as well as the pretty stone façades with mullioned windows, are some of the things you can admire on a lovely walk.

Why not round off your visit with a trip to Place des Conques, a museum of popular arts and skills dedicated to the craft trades.

A colourful medieval festival takes place every last Sunday in July, with street performances, processions in period costume, a fire show and medieval market.

Founded in 1144 by the Bishop of Rodez, the old Cistercian Abbey of Beaulieu, located in the verdant Seye Valley in the commune of Ginals, was first a place of prayer, then a farm after the Revolution, before becoming a contemporary art centre in 1970. Nowadays, the latter is open to the public from April to the end of October, and is home to an important collection of modern artworks, including work by Dubuffet, Michaux, Bissière and Vieira da Silva. A tour of the premises is a chance to discover a number of interesting architectural features, such as the Gothic-style abbey church, the chapter house and the cellar.

There are temporary exhibitions in the summer period.

The Bonaguil castle is a marvel of medieval architecture situated between Périgord and Quercy in the village of Saint-Front-sur-Lémance near Fumel. It is one of France's most beautiful fortified castles.

Built in the 13th century then modified and extended in the late 15th and early 16th centuries by Baron Bérenger de Roquefeuil, this fortress was never once the target of a military attack, thanks to its impressive defence system. A perfect illustration of the development of military architecture and techniques from the Middle Ages via the Renaissance to the early days of the Vauban fortifications, the Bonaguil castle takes adults and children on a journey back to the time of the knights. Witness the keep, towers and turrets, barbican, gunpowder store, casemates with embrasures, drawbridge and moats.

The top of the keep boasts a panoramic terrace with a wonderful view over the whole fortress and lush surrounding scenery.

Bonaguil-Fumel theatre festival is held at the Bonaguil castle and Théâtre de la Nature in Fumel every first week of August.

Overhanging the Dordogne River, these gardens are lovely to walk around: peaceful, scented paths meander through hand-clipped box hedges and offer a magnificent view of the Dordogne valley and the charming village of La Roque-Gageac.

Listed among the most beautiful villages of France and a stopping point on the Way of St. James, the hilltop village of Lauzerte overlooks the valleys and hills of Quercy Blanc. Known as the Toledo of Quercy, this mediaeval fortified town, founded in 1241 by the Count of Toulouse, contains a superb rectangular square surrounded by old stone and timber-framed houses. At one end of the square, a surprising work of art - the raised corner - provides a very original touch! Next door, the Church of St. Bartholomew is worth a visit for its splendid baroque altarpiece in golden wood.

After exploring the streets around the Town Hall and Police Station, both dotted with pretty houses, head for the barbican and its vast panoramic views of the rolling landscape of Quercy Blanc. Not far from there is a remarkable listed garden - the Pilgrim's Garden - has the particularity of being shaped like a life-sized board game telling you the story of the Way of St. James pilgrim route. Pick up a set of dice and a leaflet from Lauzerte Tourist Office!

Natural cavern of 33 metres in diameter and 75 metres deep, the Padirac chasm located on the Gramat Limestone plateau, formed when the roof collapsed. In the heart of this cavity, 103 metres below ground to be precise, flows a underground river. Visitors descend 75 metres via a lift or staircase and go to the end of a gallery where they board boats for the first leg of the guided tour by river. 500 metres further, the visitors continue the circuit on foot through a series of beautiful rooms: the Salle du Lac de la Pluie (Rain Lake) and the pendant-like Pendeloque (giant stalactite), the Salle des Grands Gours with a lake, and then the Salle du Grand Dôme with its impressive 94-metre-high ceiling. All these natural formations are awe-inspiring.

The village of Autoire is nestled in an impressive cirque formed by high limestone cliffs. Small manor houses with turrets, delightful fountain surrounded by typical houses and river below contribute to the charm of this site. Near the village, a beautiful 33-metre high waterfall!

Situated in the heart of the Black Périgord, Sarlat-la-Canéda is an essential place to visit for the architecture fans. Its medieval old town is the perfect place to wander around with its maze of picturesque narrow streets and Gothic and Renaissance mansions, such as the Plamon mansion, the Magnanat mansion, and the Vassal mansion. The Saturday market is particularly lively and should not be missed!

Dominating several valleys, which are the Dordogne valley, the Bave valley and the Cère valley, the hilltop village of Loubressac forms a harmonious architectural whole its castle, its church and its old stone houses with very picturesque brown-tiled roofs. The village also offers to its visitors a magnificent view of the surrounding valleys.

Dominated by its seven towers, Martel is a medieval town boasting a rich architectural heritage. Its mansions, such as the Raymondie mansion and its bell tower, its charming old residences, its Gothic church, its covered market hall on the main square and its pleasant narrow streets make it a must when visiting the Quercy.

Located to the north of Tarn-et-Garonne and to the south of Lot, Quercy Blanc, dotted with large limestone plateaus and gently sloping hills, is criss-crossed by many rivers and scattered with pretty villages which are both picturesque and welcoming. Castelnau-Montratier, Lauzerte, Montaigu-de-Quercy, Montcuq, Roquecor or Brassac Castle: there are so many sights to see on your journey.

A tour, whether it's on foot, on horseback or on a mountain bike, is an excellent way to discover the natural and architectural riches of this region. You're sure to come across some wonderful relics from the local area's rural heritage, such as a windmill or dovecote.

Don't forget to try the foie gras and duck confit, traditional gastronomic specialities of the South-West, and be sure to visit one or more of the area's many regional produce markets!

Listed among the most beautiful villages of France, the medieval town of Najac in the old province of Rouergue enjoys a peaceful, verdant setting. Its 13th-century royal fortress, perched on top of a rocky spur, picturesque houses with thackstone roofs, Gothic church, pretty fountains and viewpoints over the peaceful Aveyron Valley make it a dream destination for lovers of old buildings and authenticity...

Built from the 12th to the 17th century on a hill overhanging various valleys, the Castelnau-Bretenoux fortified castle situated in Prudhomat is an imposing red stone medieval fortress boasting a keep and ramparts. The castle and its furnished interiors are open to visitors.

Located in the Upper Quercy, to be precise in the Dordogne valley, the village of Carennac is listed as one of the most beautiful in France and indeed boasts numerous interests. Among the assets of this charming medieval village are the ancient typical stone houses, the 16th-century castle, the Saint-Pierre church of Romanesque style and its remarkable carved tympanum, and the cloister of the half-Romanesque half-Gothic priory, which is conducive to meditation. The chapter house of the priory is home to a statue of the Entombment of Christ dating from the 15th century.

The medieval town of Saint-Céré has successfully preserved its architectural heritage, with its old houses, its mansions and its beautiful Mercadial square featuring a fountain and surrounded by beautiful timber-framed stone residences. The River Bave, which crosses the city, bring an additional charm to the place. Near the old town of Saint-Céré stand the towers of Saint-Laurent, remains of the former castle of the Turenne viscounts. Saint-Laurent-les-Tours boasts today the Jean Lurçat workshop museum, a place entirely devoted to the works of the artist, from tapestry to cartoons through painting.

In July and August, the city of Saint-Céré hosts a classical and operatic music festival.

Nestling at the confluence of the Aveyron and Bonnette rivers, on the border between Quercy and Rouergue, the mediaeval town of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, founded in the 8th century around a former Benedictine abbey, offers a beautiful built heritage as a reminder of its past as a major craft and trade centre.

At the heart of the old town, near the covered market, the former town hall, or Maison Romane ("Romanesque House"), dates from 1125 and is one of the oldest civil monuments in France! This building has a belfry on top and is currently home to a municipal museum devoted to Prehistory and local popular arts and traditions. All around, picturesque winding streets bordered by old houses, such as the Maison de l'Amour ("House of Love") and the Maison du Roy ("House of the King"), invite you to take a walk around. And the route is all the more pleasant for being dotted with artists' and craftspeople's shops!

Also don't forget to pay a visit to the other side of the bridge over the Aveyron, an ideal spot to admire the charming Monks' Walk and the pretty houses along the riverside.

Lovers of regional produce will be interested to know that every Sunday morning, a market full of colours and flavours is held in the streets of the town!

Sports and outdoor activities fans can indulge their hobby with a wide range of activities in the surrounding countryside: climbing, hiking and mountain biking, canoe-kayaking on the Aveyron, horse-riding, fishing and even paragliding.